Perfect for Your Business, School, Home, or Gym
Many people undervalue the importance of the locker room design. It dictates the atmosphere in the room and the mood of the guests. But what makes the best locker room? Read on to find out the fundamental elements of a good design.
Material
The material will be the most vital part of your locker room design. You want it to help you achieve the aesthetic that aligns with the function. Consider looking for durability and security. Below are the most common locker materials with their pros and cons.
Metal
The most common locker material is metal because it’s the most affordable option. Traditional school lockers, for example, are steel. Other establishments, like gyms and stadiums, also prefer this type. This material is perfect for displaying the brand colors. It’s durable and reliable, but it comes with some disadvantages.
Although it’s cheaper, it has higher maintenance costs. It’s vulnerable to rusts and dents, and it often needs recoloring. Metal lockers are noisy, which may harm your desired atmosphere. The constant slams and clangs might irritate the users. Take spas as an example. They aim to provide their guests with a relaxing time but using metal in the locker rooms would hurt the customer experience because of the noise.
Plastic
Plastic is the most durable option with water and rust resistance. It usually lasts the longest as it’s harder to break than metal lockers. It has different varieties with varying durability.
Laminate is tough on the outside, but the inside is vulnerable once exposed. It can have a core made from medium-density fiberboard, industrial-grade particle board, or thermal-fused melamine. The advantage of this variant is that it can have a wooden look.
High-density polyethylene is also solid plastic, making for a strong structure. It comes from recycled materials. Another option is phenolic plastic, which is more expensive. It’s a versatile resin material, making it scratch-resistant. It usually lasts longer than other materials since it’s easier and cheaper to maintain.
Wood
Plastic can come in wood-look finishes, but they never provide the same experience. For this reason, upscale establishments still prefer the actual material. Wood lockers are durable, but their primary appeal for aesthetic. The elegant appearance fits nicely in a classy business with a high-end clientele. They can come in several stains topped with a premium coat.
They typically have more custom options. You can customize their dimensions and profile however you want. Still, wood is vulnerable to water and high humidity. It can grow mold and bacteria if you have poor locker room ventilation. As such, it’s not the best choice for saunas, pools, and gyms.
Style and Size
Locker’s house different objects depending on the establishment and guests. Students need storage for their books, bag, and shoes. Gym lockers may have to store work clothes for the goers who want to exercise before going to the office. As such, they should have a hanging space.
Some clients may only need space to store their phones, though. As such, some establishments use a variety of sizes in the locker room. That way, guests can choose which locker can best serve their needs.
For homes, a roomy locker is better. After all, household members may want to store wildly varying items. A sports-inclined child may need a place for their racket, for example.
Locks
What type of lock is best for your guests? It can be either temporary or permanent. Temporary locks are those that the members bring with them. They may also borrow from the business and use any available space.
The issue with handing out locks and keys is that it requires more staff time to manage. A solution is a multi-user lock, where a temporary user can set a combination for the limited use of the locker. For permanent lockers, guests can also bring locks of their own. The business can also provide solutions, such as:
- RFID locks
- Card reader locks
- Electronic locks
- Consider the guests with disabilities, as well. ADA requires accessible locks that don’t need pinching, twisting, or tight grasping to operate.
Seating
Another fundamental element in your locker room design is the seating. Some establishments look toward function more than the style, such as gyms. All guests need is a seat for tying their shoes; a decent long chair would do.
For spas, the seating is a part of the experience. They may provide comfortable armchairs and sofas in the locker room so guests can relax and chat with other patrons.
Circulation
What’s more important than the aesthetic is the floor layout. No matter how beautiful the materials and seating are, they don’t matter if your guests can’t use them properly. Note how guests would move inside the locker room to go to their locker, shower, and out. At the least, two people should be able to walk side-by-side.
Amenities
What other features should you add to the locker room? In gyms, shower rooms are a given. They may also provide a sauna room like in spas. Some locker rooms also offer vanity spaces where guests can apply make-up, dry their hair, or shave. Establishments may also provide massage rooms and even tanning rooms. All these amenities should align with the theme of the locker room. Use proper partitions and install lighting that would enhance the ambiance.
Create the Best Locker Room Design
The best locker room design should look exceptional and serve its purpose. It has proper circulation, ventilation, and amenities aligning with the establishment’s functions. Regardless, the design should match your needs.
Do you want a reputable locker provider? Look no further than ERCO. Contact us today to discuss what we can do to meet your requirements.
